Description
‘Wageningen’ by Fabian Vas
Wageningen is located in the Nickerie district, about 54 kilometres away from New Nickerie and 203 kilometres away from Paramaribo. It is a small town with about 3000 people that live there. It has a small harbor on the Nickerie River, opposite the mouth of the Maratakka.
Wageningen was founded after the 2nd World War, when Suriname was still colonized by the Netherlands. The foundation of ‘Plan Wageningen’ had the primary aim of establishing a farming community for ex-soldiers. And in addition, create employment for the people of Suriname.
With large piece of fertile land, desired climate with enough rainfall and the absence of natural disasters, Wageningen became the rice centre of Suriname.
After the independence in 1975, unfortunately the rice company went bankrupt. Partly due to poor management, the fall of the world market price for rice, outdated machinery, etc., the company was no longer able to keep its head above water.
